Investigating multiple layers of influence on sexual assault in a university setting

Sexual assault is a major public issue on college campuses; approximately 20 to 50 percent of female and up to 31 percent of male college students report being sexually victimized while in college. To date, little research has been conducted in this area that investigates interactions between intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, community, and societal factors that influence campus sexual assault. The main purpose of this study was to examine interactions between different layers of influence on campus sexual assault. The present study utilized a quantitative, cross-sectional design (n=677) with online delivery of survey research. Overall, 191 (28.0 percent) participants reported being sexually assaulted since the beginning of their college career, and a total of 4.8 percent (32 participants) of the sample reported perpetration since the beginning of their college career. Prior victimization was the strongest predictor of both victimization (β=2.779; p<0.001; Odds ratio=16.100) and perpetration (β=2.551; p<0.001; Odds ratio=12.823) since the start of college. Further, those who received sexual assault prevention education had had better views of the institution than those who did not (F=5.702; p=0.001). Being a victim or perpetrator did not have an effect on institutional variables. Lastly, neither rape myth acceptance nor injunctive peer norms significantly moderated the relationship between binge drinking and perpetration since the start of college. This study has promising implications for future research as well as for public health education practitioners, college administrators, and health policy experts. Coordinated national, state, and local efforts are needed to change the climate in institutions of higher education that truly promote safe, healthy relationships and behaviors in college students. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

College students' perceptions of adoption

The differences in perceptions of adoption among college students were the focus of this research. The research was conducted in response to a lack of literature in the area of college students and adoption. The results indicated that college students perceived adoption to be more stressful than having a biological child, and perceived having a biological child more satisfying than adopting. Still, many college students stated they would consider adopting. These findings are consistent with the often expressed view of adoption as "second-best". The purposes and hypotheses discussed in this research are important for families, students, counselors, educators, and social workers. There is a lack of information available to college students considering adoption, a lack of support to adoptees, and insufficient knowledge about the process and outcomes of adoption. Understanding college students' attitudes toward adoption should give direction regarding future social, legal, and educational views and pursuits related to adoption. Further research is needed to determine general findings, specifically research including more adoptees as well as a more diverse population of college students in various settings such as private, parochial and racially diverse college populations. Studies must focus on adoption and address stereotypes presented in literature, media, and educational materials. Expanding the body of literature will assist educators, advocates, parents, and counselors in taking the next step of shifting the paradigm of adoption to a more favorable one. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

Nutrient intake and adequacy and consumption of food away from home of adults with children

The dietary intake of Americans does not meet current recommendations. A greater desire for quick, convenient food options and food prepared outside the home (FAFH) may be two contributors to poor intake patterns. The Food Choice Process Model suggests that life changes such as becoming a parent may place additional time constraints on adults that in turn will impact on their food choices. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine differences in dietary intake of U.S. adults by (a) child presence in the household and (b) child presence plus frequency of FAFH. A sample of 4,904 adults, 18 to 50 years, was selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005 to 2008). Using linear regression and logistic regression models, dietary intake was compared based on child presence in the household while controlling for variables that represented constructs of the Food Choice Process Model. When compared to females without children, females with children consumed significantly less fiber and were less likely to meet their fiber requirements. When examined by child presence and FAFH frequency, females with low FAFH frequency (1 or fewer FAFH meals per week) without children in the household had significantly lower total fat, saturated fat, and sodium intakes compared to high frequency users regardless of child presence. Females with children with high FAFH frequency (2 or more FAFH meals per week) were less likely to meet the recommendations for fiber intake and more likely to exceed the recommendations for sodium intake compared to females with children with low FAFH frequency. There were no clinically relevant findings for men. Dietary intake of women but not men changes based on whether a child is present in the household and meals are consumed away from home. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

Osteoporosis knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors of college students: utilization of the Health Belief Model

The purpose of this study is to determine the level of osteoporosis knowledge, beliefs and behavior among college students. In addition, this study will examine perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers and self-efficacy related to osteoporosis prevention. Women and men of all ethnicities at the University of Central Arkansas were asked to participate in the study. The Osteoporosis Knowledge Test, Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale, Osteoporosis Self-Efficacy Scale, and Osteoporosis Preventing Behaviors Survey were utilized. Correlations were used to determine the degree of relationship between variables. After determining which independent variables were significant, a multiple regression was completed to determine prediction. Participants did not perceive themselves as susceptible to osteoporosis and perceived minimal barriers to physical activity and calcium intake. Their knowledge was minimal concerning alternate sources of calcium and less traditional forms of physical activity. Physical activity was correlated with perceived barriers, health motivation, and calcium intake. Calcium intake was correlated with perceived barriers, health motivation, and knowledge. Prevention programs should aim to increase osteoporosis knowledge of risk factors and preventing behaviors and to decrease high risk factor behaviors in adolescence when bone health can be increased. Health professionals can attempt to decrease perceived barriers to physical activity in college age individuals by providing comprehensive programs based on supported factors shown to influence behavior, including social support and self-efficacy. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

Exploring personal values, attitudes, perceived injunctive and descriptive norms, and intrapersonal value-attitude relationships in relation to alcohol use and alcohol-related problems among college students

Alcohol use among college students continues to be a public health issue in spite of health promotion activities and programming. College alcohol use literature regularly examines the impact of perceived norms on alcohol use; however, little research has been done on the influence of personal values on alcohol use and alcohol-related problems. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between personal values, attitudes, perceived injunctive and descriptive norms, alcohol, and alcohol-related problems. The study also conceptualized and tested an idea termed intrapersonal value-attitude relationship, which was an interaction between values and attitudes. The current study employed a cross-sectional design utilizing a paper-and pencil survey administered to college students (n=910) within the classrooms. Personal attitudes and perceived descriptive norms of alcohol-related problems consistently predicted alcohol use and alcohol-related problems even after controlling for potential confounding variables. The exploration of the innovative concept of intrapersonal value-attitude relationship is a first step to examine the complex relationships between values and attitudes. Findings from this study suggest that the examination of values, attitudes, injunctive and descriptive norms are relevant and worth investigating further in regard to alcohol use and other health behaviors. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

An investigation of materialistic values and physical activity participation, location, and experience

In spite of clear and much publicized health benefits, the majority of American adults do not participate in enough physical activity to satisfy established public health recommendations. In recent years, attention has been paid to social position and consumption as they are related to health and well-being. In light of increases in chronic disease and health risks associated with insufficient activity, as well as increased consumptive patterns associated with decreased well-being, studies aimed at understanding the confluence of these trends are essential. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of how materialistic values interact with the social and physical environments to influence physical activity participation, location, and the experience of being active. The present study utilized a mixed method, cross sectional design (n = 487). Increased materialism was associated with greater physical activity and appears to influence the selection of activity location, experience, and norms. The findings of this study suggest that this line of inquiry is timely, culturally relevant, and worthy of further investigation. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

Exploring risky sexual behaviors of southern African American men and their readiness for barbershop-based HIV prevention programs

African Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV, and males make up most of the cases by gender. Innovative methods for addressing the gap in the HIV epidemic are needed. Barbershops have been identified as one locale to address health disparities among African American males. Few studies have used barbershops as sites to provide HIV prevention information. Though barbershops have been sites for a few urban-based HIV prevention programs for African American men, none have been inclusive of rural men and only one was conducted in the southern United States. The purpose of this study was to explore the risky sexual behaviors of African American men in Alabama, and assess their readiness for a barbershop-based HIV prevention program. The study was guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior. A paper-and-pencil survey was administered to adult African American males at three barbershops in Alabama. The results of this study suggested that over half the men in the study did not consistently use condoms in the preceding three months. About one-fourth of the men reported having multiple sexual partners, and over half of all sexually active men used drugs and/or alcohol during a sexual encounter in the last three months. Attitudes were a significant predictor of having multiple sexual partners. Overall, the men were moderately ready for a barbershop-based HIV prevention program. Neither engagement in risky sexual behaviors nor the antecedents to engagement in risky sexual behaviors were predictive of readiness for barbershop-based HIV prevention programs. The findings of the study provide valuable insight to stakeholders who are interested in reducing the spread of HIV among African American men. Improving attitudes toward condoms in the barbershop setting may lead to less frequent engagement in risky sexual behaviors, which could curb the HIV acquisition rate among African American males. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

The examination of mixing alcohol and energy drinks among college undergraduates using the Theory of Planned Behavior

The purpose of this study was two fold. First, the study examined whether constructs from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB: Ajzen, 1985, 1991) play a role in predicting consumption of alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) among college undergraduates. Second, the study also estimated the prevalence of AmED consumption and provided a better understanding of the theoretical and demographic variables associated with AmED consumption among a large sample of college undergraduates located at a public university in the Southeastern United States. The study used a cross-sectional study design (n=676) to administer a 39-item survey assessing alcohol use, energy drink (ED) use, and the consumption of mixing alcohol with energy drinks (AmED). As part of this assessment, students responded to theoretical questions about AmED consumption in the last 30 days. Analyses exploring the univariate significance of theoretical and demographic predictors revealed that all of the TPB constructs were significant univariately. Additionally, the demographic predictors of class year and Panhellenic affiliation were also univariately significant (p<.05). However, when incorporated into a logistic regression model, the TPB constructs of behavioral intention and attitude were the only significant predictors (p<.05) of AmED consumption among undergraduate college students. Subjective norms and perceived behavioral control were no longer significant. Furthermore, logistic regression analyses also showed that the demographic variables of age, sex, place of residence, and Panhellenic affiliation also did not predict AmED consumption, while class year remained a significant predictor (p<.05) of AmED consumption. Lastly, a mediation analyses was conducted using logistic regression techniques. Results showed that behavioral intention is a complete mediator for the effect of subjective norms on AmED consumption and is also a partial mediator for the effect of attitudes on AmED consumption in the last 30 days. Despite the cross-sectional nature of this study, its primary strength was its application of theory to better understand AmED use among college undergraduates. Findings from this study have implications for future intervention development aimed at targeting preventive efforts among college populations. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries